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3 veteran trade targets Grizzlies must consider pursuing

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum on October 03, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum on October 03, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Despite their wheeling and dealing ways this summer, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team that should still consider making another move or two as the year progresses to shore up any loose ends found within their retooled rotation.

It goes without saying that GM Zach Kleiman and company did a fine job of bolstering Taylor Jenkins’ collection of talent, but, even still, they remain a ways away from being considered a perfect roster.

As we inch closer to the start of the 2023-24 NBA season and, in turn, make our way toward the trade deadline more and more names across the association are bound to become available for the taking at the right price.

With this in mind, there are three low-key veteran players, in particular, that the Grizzlies should be keeping close tabs on between now and the February 8 deadline.

Veteran trade targets the Memphis Grizzlies must monitor in 2023-24

3. Nicolas Batum

At 34 years old and entering his 16 season in the association, no one should expect the likes of Nicolas Batum to be a complete game-changing presence in 2023-24.

However, on a stacked team like the Grizzlies, he wouldn’t have to be.

Instead, the veteran could come in and provide a serviceable 20 to 22 minutes on a nightly basis and help diversify the club’s rotation, as he has the ability to plug in anywhere from the two down to a small-ball four thanks to his 6-foot-8 frame coupled with his still efficient two-way skill set.

Over the last three seasons, Batum has sported solid per-game averages of 7.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 39.8 percent shooting from distance for the title-contending LA Clippers while boasting a defensive box plus-minus rating of +1.5 along the way.

Attached to an expiring contract, should the forward find himself placed on the trade market this year, one should not expect it to take all that much to acquire the vet’s services, thus making him an under-the-radar option the Grizzlies should be eyeing.

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